Congenital heart defects affect nearly 1% of newborns in the United States and are a leading cause of infant mortality. Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week,held February 7--14 this year, is an annual observance to promote awareness and education about these defects. Health-care providers should encourage their patients who are thinking about fitting pregnant to preserve a healthy weight, or control diagnosed diabetes,and quit smoking.
Source: cdc.gov